Manganese‐Zinc Ferrites: Safe and Efficient Nanolabels for Cell Imaging and Tracking In Vivo

Abstract

Manganese‐zinc ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by using a hydrothermal treatment, coated with silica, and then tested as efficient cellular labels for cell tracking, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vivo. A toxicity study was performed on rat mesenchymal stem cells and C6 glioblastoma cells. Adverse effects on viability and cell proliferation were observed at the highest concentration (0.55 mM) only; cell viability was not compromised at lower concentrations. Nanoparticle internalization was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The particles were found in membranous vesicles inside the cytoplasm. Although the metal content (0.42 pg Fe/cell) was lower compared to commercially available iron oxide nanoparticles, labeled cells reached a comparable relaxation rate R 2, owing to higher nanoparticle relaxivity. Cells from transgenic luciferase‐positive rats were used for in vivo experiments. Labeled cells were transplanted into the muscles of non‐bioluminescent rats and visualized by MRI. The cells produced a distinct hypointense signal in T2‐ or T2*‐weighted MR images in vivo. Cell viability in vivo was verified by bioluminescence.

Assessment of manganese-zinc ferrite nanoparticles as a novel magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent for the detection of 4T1 breast cancer cells

“…In addition, a toxicity research work was performed by Herynek et al ., on rat mesenchymal stem cells and C6 glioblastoma cells. [18] They have conducted that the studied cells produced a distinct hypointense signal in T 2 -or T 2 *-weighted MRI in vivo . The results of both mentioned studies and the results of the present work are in a good agreement to confirm the hypothesis of important issues of MZF NPs as an MRI contrast agent for cancer detection.…”

Imaging Tissue Physiology In Vivo by Use of Metal Ion-Responsive MRI Contrast Agents

“…Other thulium-based sensors have also been reported [69]. Finally, manganese-zinc ferrite nanoparticles [70,71] and manganese-porphyrin bimodal agents [72] are among other types of sensors that are also being explored. The interest in non-Gd 3+ -based agents stems from the studies that have reported adverse effects for Gd 3+ -based MRI agents, most notably, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NFS) in patients with severe renal insufficiency [73].…”

D-Alpha-Tocopheryl Poly(ethylene Glycol 1000) Succinate-Coated Manganese-Zinc Ferrite Nanomaterials for a Dual-Mode Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent and Hyperthermia Treatments

“…The increased r 1 value of MZF@TPGS formulation may be due to the protonation and hydration of polymer, thereby resulting in the entry of water molecules into cluster-like area, the interacting with the metal of Mn and Zn, shortening the relaxation time and giving rise to positive or negative contrast on T 1 - or T 2 -weighted magnetic resonance images [ 50 ]. Compared to reported silica-coated MZF core [ 51 ] or worm-like formulated MZF [ 52 ] with higher r 2 value for T 2 -weighted MR contrast, our prepared MZF@TPGS formulation revealed dual MR contrast ability due to the balance in T 1 - or T 2 -weighted imaging.…”